Lagos tackles waste buildup along Ayobo-Ipaja axis

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has launched a special effort to clear the accumulated waste along the Ayobo-Ipaja axis, particularly around Megida and surrounding areas. This initiative comes in response to concerns over the indiscriminate dumping of waste on road medians within the region. LAWMA's Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, announced the intervention on Friday.

He stated that the agency has deployed its operational team to clear the affected medians, while also deploying enforcement personnel to address infractions responsible for the recurring waste accumulation.

According to Mukaila Sanusi, the Director of Public Affairs at LAWMA, routine monitoring revealed that the waste buildup was largely fueled by illegal trading activities, including markets operating on road medians, as well as residents who failed to use the assigned Public Service Providers (PSP) operators for waste disposal. LAWMA is engaged in clearing the accumulated waste and restoring the affected areas to acceptable environmental standards.

The agency's enforcement team is on the ground to prevent redumping and ensure residents utilize approved waste collection channels.

LAWMA has apprehended two tricycles (Keke Marwa) for illegally transporting waste from the community to the road medians. Gbadegesin emphasized that LAWMA will not allow unauthorised waste collectors to undermine the formal waste management system. He appealed to residents, traders, and businesses in the Ayobo-Ipaja area to support the waste management system by patronising their assigned PSP operators and refraining from dumping waste in unauthorized locations.

LAWMA assured residents of its commitment to responding promptly to environmental concerns and maintaining the gains of the intervention.